JAKARTA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia plans to stop importing diesel fuel starting in the second half of 2026 following the implementation of the country's 50 percent biodiesel (B50) mandate, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Thursday.
Bahlil confirmed that the government is currently conducting the fourth and final phase of road tests for B50 biodiesel, which are expected to be completed within six to eight months. The trials involve ship engines, trains, heavy machinery, and others.
"If everything goes smoothly and we decide to use B50, we will no longer import diesel fuel in the second half of 2026," Bahlil told reporters in Jakarta.
The B50 program, a blend of 50 percent crude palm oil-based biofuel and 50 percent conventional diesel, is part of Indonesia's long-term strategy to boost energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The policy aligns with the current B40 mandate, which has reached 10 million kiloliters, representing 64.7 percent of the 2025 target of 15.6 million kiloliters.
According to the ministry, the nationwide implementation of B40 has already saved the country about 9.3 billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange. ■